Do I view this as a commandment? Do I live this as a commandment? Do I teach this as a commandment? The Lord has made this day and every day so that I might be alive. And if I am going to live, what shall I do with the time I have on this earth?

I could lament. There are many things in this world that are worthy of tears. There is pain and suffering in this world.

I could ignore. I could go about my earthly life working, traveling, buying things, and enjoying the pleasures of the world.

I could consider myself to be my own purpose. I could work hard to learn, to develop my talents, to earn money in order to gain fame and fortune.

Or if I view this verse as a commandment, as a call to action, perhaps I begin to understand. I have received a gift. When I focus on what Jesus teaches me, then I learn where to see a path and rejoice in where it leads me.

Jesus says the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind". He follows this with "love your neighbor as yourself" and that all other commandments are based on these two.

I can begin each day praying that I see the needs of others and rejoice when I am able to help. I can look for what is good in God’s creation and be glad in it.

I can celebrate, hug, and dance. I can laugh, love, and share. How else does one show gratitude for the gifts we receive?

I can share my talents instead of hoarding them. I can be present for those who have a need. And once I have started doing this, others will have a space to rejoice and be glad as well.

Each and every day that I am in this kingdom that God has made, I have the privilege of choosing how I perceive and react to what is in my life.

Dear Lord in heaven above and in my heart, guide me in seeing the joy that I can bring to those who need help. Guide me to see where my gifts can be shared. And always help me to remember to be grateful for all that You have provided and rejoice in Your glory, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

It’s probably not uncommon to think of music when you read the Psalms. After all, many of the Psalms were written as songs. When reading this Psalm, I think of the song “10,000 Reasons,” recorded by Matt Redman.

This second verse of Psalm 103 reminds us to remember all of the Lord’s benefits. I would think that number is infinite, but 10,000 is a pretty good start.

The second verse of “10,000 Reasons,” extols some of the benefits David, the Psalmist, wants us to remember.

It’s always a good practice to remember God’s goodness, or some of your own 10,000 reasons.

In this month where we focus on thankfulness and gratitude, I’d like to share some of my blessings. I’m thankful for the Christian community at 1st United Methodist Church of Maryville and for the good they do in the community. I praise the success and community support of our dementia care program, Daybreak. I am grateful for Celebrate Recovery ministering to those with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. I am thrilled about the adults who support Rise and Shine that reaches so many youths in our community.

I honor those who serve those who are hungry at Welcome Table. I am blessed by the church staff who support church members with their spiritual growth. I love my Sunday School classmates, fellow choir members and bell ringers, who love and support each other like family.

I am thankful for you who listen to Grace for All, and for Jim Stovall and Greta Smith, who had the idea for a member-driven podcast that is now completing its second year.

What are some of your 10,000 reasons? I encourage you to take some time today to think about a few of them.

Dear Lord, we are human, and it is often easier for us to focus on what frustrates us. Let us not forget your benefits. May we focus today on blessing you and the benefits you provide to us every day. Amen.

This devotional was written by Kathryn King, and read by Sally Stovall.

You can listen to 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) here on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0fxpHpK3aw2nFWII6yveDD?si=e8fddb4a7d41402c

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

You are listening to Grace for All, a daily devotional podcast produced by the people of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

This is Scripture Saturday, a time when we pause and reflect on the scriptures we have read throughout the week. If you missed any of our devotionals on these passages, you can find them on our website at 1stChurch.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Now, we invite you to listen and receive Grace. Welcome and thank you for joining us.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.